I think my favourite cool and dark album cover early on was Black Sabbath's self titled first album. I loved the look of the green skinned witch in the yard of the derelict house. The first song just added to the whole feel of it by starting out with pouring rain and big claps of thunder before Ozzy broke in with song.

Another favorite a little later in Junior High were Yes album covers. The Dune or Lord of the Rings, drug culture look timed perfectly with what I was experimenting with.

I don't recall really owning any cassettes - pretty much everything I had was borrowed, handed down, or mix tapes from radio/borrowed tapes.

Now CDs, I do remember. Both Pearl Jam - Ten and Vs were the first two albums I owned. Soon after, I seem to recall adding Nirvana - Nevermind and Counting Crows - August and Everything After (which I later trading with a friend for Oasis - What's the Story Morning Glory).

Wow John. You just listed of at least 1/2 of my childhood music list. What about Metallica? Ride the Lightning? Master of Puppets? I remember sitting in my car before school listening to peace sells but whose buying. You know you can hear Dave's voice right now singing those words!
Then there was "All I want is a Pepsi" and "I saw your mommy." Those were some of the first songs my parents were 'worried' about. And I bought WASP Inside the Electric Circus because of the PMRC warnings. That sticks out for me like "catsup is a vegetable." Oh, growing up in the 80s...

jr

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"What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence." C Hitchens

yea, i thought 'kill 'em all' and 'ride the lightening' were the most bad-a$$, awesome albums i had ever heard.. thats when a buddy of mine turned me onto slayer, and the whole speed, death metal phase just jumped to a new level. thats why i love some of the early motorhead stuff.. it is a curious blend of speed metal, mixed with british punk. and lemy just seemed like a demonic warlord, with his whiskey growl, and bass thunder.. i still love that stuff for long road trips.. needless to say, my wife doesnt care or it!!